February 1, 2022

SVSU and Lake Huron Region office of SBDC awarded ARPA funds to support small businesses in Bay County

Award is part of $2 million being managed through Bay Future, Inc.

The Lake Huron Region Michigan Small Business Development Center, housed at Saginaw Valley State University, has partnered with local organizations to provide much-needed financial support for small businesses in Bay County that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $368,500 award is part of the $2 million in ARPA funds allocated to Bay Future, Inc. by the Bay County Board of Commissioners.  

The SBDC will work with Bay Future to help new businesses get off the ground and grow existing businesses.  

“The SBDC offers critical tools and resources to guide entrepreneurs in launching their new business, early-stage startups, as well as providing consulting services to help business owners put a growth plan into action, and expert consulting to help mobilize technology to commercialization. After the once-in-a-century pandemic, with this funding, our local economy will now be poised for a once-in-a-generation comeback,” said Beth L. Roszatycki, Regional Director, Lake Huron Region Michigan SBDC. 

Roszatycki said the SBDC has been a go-to resource for small businesses striving to weather the pandemic. That support will continue with SBDC consultants providing a variety of services and resources to Bay County businesses, including one-on-one consulting support, small business training and a “comeback toolkit.” The SBDC also will offer a “90-day refinement program” that includes weekly discussion and instruction to prepare owners to expand their business activity. 

The Lake Huron Region SBDC is part of the Scott L. Carmona College of Business at Saginaw Valley State University. It is one of the Business Excellence Centers at SVSU, which provide training, consulting and research services to Michigan’s business community.

For more information, contact the Lake Huron Region SBDC at sbdc@svsu.edu.